Thank you for
volunteering to coach Micro Soccer in the Medway Youth Soccer program. This
hand out is to update all new as well as returning coaches on the 4 V 4
Micro Soccer format.
Field Size: 20
X 30 yards, 2 separate fields are set up for each game. Size 3
ball is used.
3v3 or 4v4 Format:
This small-sided format was adopted by Medway Youth Soccer in the
Spring of 1999 to allow the children to touch the ball more often,
play both offense and defense throughout the game and play more of
the “Game.” There are no goalies used.
Prior to the start of the games, a coach needs to divide his or her
team into two groups. To maximize the number of ball touches for
each child, it is recommended that, generally speaking, one group
consists of more developed players (usually the first graders) and
the other consists of more beginner type players (usually the
kindergarteners). Those groups then play against the other team’s
comparable groups on two different fields. The decision to play 3v3
or 4v4 usually comes down to the number of players on each team and
is a mutual decision between coaches.
Duration: Four
10-minute quarters will be played, running time. There will be a
two-minute break between quarters 1 and 2, and quarters 3 and 4.
There will be a five-minute break for halftime.
Substitutions:
All children should play equally. Substitutions should be made when
the ball is dead – either out of bounds or after a goal. Coaches
should ensure equal playing time for all players.
Role of the Coaches:
The head coaches from each team should be on the field during the
games. The coaches should work cooperatively to help explain any
infractions. Head coaches should split their time between the two
fields – each overseeing a different game each half, so that there
is always head coach coverage for each game. The assistants will
stay with the players on the sidelines that are not currently on the
field in either game. Coaches should decide on one person to keep
the time for both games.
Referee:
Coaches serve this role.
Goals:
Small goals are provided for each set of games.
Start and End Times:
Please start and end games on time. Remember, there is often
a game after yours and it’s important they can start on time.
Basic Rules of the 4 V 4 Game:
-
No offsides
-
When the ball goes out of bounds over the sidelines (touchline), it
is put back into play by a kick-in from the spot it went out of
bounds. The kick-in cannot be shot directly into the goal.
-
When the ball goes over the end line, it is put back into play
either by dribbling or a kick-in from the spot it went over the end
line. No corner kicks.
-
After a goal has been scored, play shall begin by a restart at
midfield.
-
The coaches act as field supervisors or managers in addition to
referees.
-
Players can score from anywhere on the field.
-
All fouls are penalized by an indirect free kick. The opponent must
be 3 yards away from the ball at the time of the kick.
-
No slide tackles are allowed.
-
No penalty kicks are allowed.
-
Substitutions can be made at any dead ball or by the coaches
mutually agreeing.
-
Equal time shall be allowed for all players.
Sportsmanship:
All players and coaches should shake hands at the conclusion of the
match.
Score:
No SCORES or STATS should be kept. |
